Loretta Colson Cheely passed away on Aug 17, 2022 in Newport News, Virginia. She was born on December 25, 1929 in Cottageville, SC to Lowdrean and Kirby Colson. Loretta graduated from Columbia Business College in Columbia, SC and was employed by AT&T Telephone Company. She married James W. “Jack” Cheely on Aug 30, 1953 and they had two sons, Mark and Bruce. The Cheelys joined Tabernacle Baptist Church in Newport News in 1963 and Loretta taught second grade Sunday School there for over forty-five years. After retiring, she became a special loved member of the Annie Moody Sunday School Class.

Loretta was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Lon and Mendel Colson; and a sister, Faye Westbury. She is survived by her husband and sons; grandchildren Zack Cheely and Amanda Cheely; great-grandson Jaxon Parn of Monroe City, MO; sister, Shirley C. Creel of St. George, SC; brother, James T. (Becky) Colson of Stafford, VA; cousin, Johnnie Marie Watson of Easley, SC; special sister-in-law, Lil Cheely of Athens, GA; and many nieces and nephews. A relative, Tammy Watson of Easley, SC, was a blessing with her assistance to the family during Loretta’s illness.

The family would like to thank the staff at Newport News Rehab for her care.

Loretta will be remembered in a service at Peninsula Funeral Home, on Wednesday, August 24, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. Visitation with the family will take place for one hour prior to the service. A graveside service will immediately follow at Peninsula Memorial Park, 12750 Warwick Blvd, NN. Former Tabernacle pastor Wes Taylor will officiate at both services. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial gifts to Tabernacle Baptist Church, 401 Lucas Creek Road, NN  23602 (https://tbcnn.org/).

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.